Direct Laser Fabrication (DLF)

The work on Direct Laser Fabrication can be divided into four themes:
  1. Fabrication of large near net-shape structures
  2. Cladding / Repair / Hybrid manufacturing
  3. Microstructure optimization using various laser operating modes
  4. Structural integrity study and microstructure characterisation

Researchers operating Direct Laser Fabrication machinery

SAMULET 4

In this project, structures above one meter in length will be fabricated using Ti-6Al-4V. Such structures are currently considered as a challenge within the aerospace industry and therefore SAMULET 4 was considered a technologically unique activity.

Messier-Dowty

Messier-Dowty project details
 Full title Messier-Dowty
Description

This project was a feasibility study of using Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr manufactured by DLF for the use in landing gear components.
Key partners BAE SYSTEMS, Messier-Dowty, Advantage West-Midlands, Rolls-Royce
Research team members  

Dr. Ravi AswathanarayanaSwamy, Dr. Chunlei Qiu, Prof. Moataz Attallah
 Category  

Research
 Description The focus of this project are smart stents used for treatment of peripheral arterial disease. A stent is a wire mesh tube which is implanted into an artery, where it acts as a scaffold and keeps the artery open. The goal is to manufacture stents from the shape-memory alloy Nitinol. This has the potential to make insertion into the artery easier and safer. Using additive manufacturing, specifically selective laser melting (SLM), offers further advantages in terms of design flexibility, as well as a cheaper and less wasteful manufacturing process.
Project lead  

Dr Parastoo Jamshidi